Training & Credentials
Professional Development Planning
It takes a special kind of person to work with young children. It also takes a great deal of training and education. No matter how much education or experience you already have, you can always learn more. Whether you’re new to the field or have lots of experience, the process of planning for your professional development is important.
Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your professional development – get started today!
Want to connect with a Professional Development Advisor? Email pdadvising@ndchildcare.org for assistance.
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North Dakota Core Competencies
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The North Dakota Core Competencies ➜ are research-based, measurable descriptions of the things that you are expected to know and be able to do to promote children’s healthy development. The Core Competencies provide the foundation – they tell you what you need to know as an early educator.
The Core Competencies serve as a “roadmap” to gaining knowledge and skill in the early care and education field. They help to plan intentional professional development to advance your career, make your job easier and increase the quality of care for North Dakota’s children.
The Core Competencies can help you assess your level of knowledge and skill in each of the eight content areas. They can also help you identify specific areas for future professional development.
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Career Pathways Planning Guides
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The Growing Futures Career Pathways ➜ can help you see the many career options available in the field of early care and education, and the preparation that is needed to be hired in a specific position. The Pathways can help you choose training that serves a purpose, adds up to meaningful career goals and provides a solid background in the topics and knowledge areas that are important when working with young children.
Your Career Pathways placement showcases and recognizes the preparation you bring to your work. You can also use the Pathways to determine the additional preparation you might need to achieve your career goals.
We have guides to help you choose training that will advance through the Growing Futures Career Pathways (choose the setting that is right for you):
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Courses listed in this guide are specific to early educators working with infants and toddlers in a child care facility.
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Courses listed in this guide are specific to early educators working with preschoolers in a child care facility.
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Courses listed in this guide are specific to early educators working in a family child care setting.
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CDA Planning Guides
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The Child Development Associate (CDA) is nationally recognized early childhood professional credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. We have guides to help you choose training that will help you meet the training requirements set by the Council (choose the setting that is right for you):
